By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 18 -- Enbridge Energy Partners LP, Houston, will conduct a binding open season June 18-Aug. 3 for capacity on the Phase 6 expansion of its North Dakota pipeline system.
The proposed $130 million expansion project, if fully subscribed, would increase system capacity to 155,000 b/d from 110,000 b/d, to be available by yearend.
The system transports oil from western North Dakota and eastern Montana to Clearbrook, Minn., via the Minnesota Pipeline and the Lakehead system. From there shippers can access most major refinery markets along the Great Lakes and in the Midwest and along the US Gulf Coast through current and planned interconnecting pipelines.
Demand has been exceeding eastbound pipeline capacity and there is increased oil production, especially in Richland County, Mont., and western North Dakota oil fields (OGJ, Dec. 11, 2006, p. 42).
The expansion project is expected to relieve an oil transportation bottleneck within the region, Enbridge said.
Shippers entering into binding 10-year commitments for a minimum of 2,000 b/d will have priority access for as much as 80% of the system capacity. The remaining capacity will be open for monthly nominations.
If shipper interest for incremental capacity exceeds the available firm capacity offered in this open season, Enbridge said it will work with shippers to plan for additional capacity expansion.
